Teaching Tap Improvisation: Exercises for Beginners

Begin with a very structured 4/4 song that does not have any strange segues or extra measures. Have all students beat their hands on their legs, clap or snap to the beat. Continue their time keeping, but have them now count out loud – “1..2..3..4″. Be sure you do not have them count “5..6..7..8″. This is a cardinal sin in the music world, as you’ll find out if you dance with live musicians! Explain to your students that each set of four counts is a measure, or a bar. I often use this with my elementary students who are learning addition and/or multiplication.

Five Ways Postmodern Principles Can Positively Impact Your Studio

The exposure to postmodern principles and technique has so positively affected my experience with both commercial dance and concert dance that I would recommend that studios add it to their course roster. Young dancers who gain an early exposure to the world of post modern dance are only at an advantage in today’s competitive dance market. It will prepare them for careers as professional dancers or for success in a college dance department. The reality is that modern dance principles are gaining popularity throughout the dance world.

Tap away those summertime blues…

Tap festivals are everywhere and are probably coming to a city near you! These fabulous wood-shedding events allow tap dancers of all ages, levels, and backgrounds to meet together and share in a non-judgmental and nurturing environment. Hoofers are honored at nearly every fest, giving young dancers exposure to the greats – the masters perform and teach in an intimate setting at most events.

Guest Post: Confessions of a Busy Dance Mom

I’m probably a great example of some of the moms at your studio I suppose, who can barely find the time to get the lunches packed and get to school on time. Let alone read the many papers and emails and notices that come home on a regular basis. Here’s just a few reasons why:

Keeping Rhythm Fascinatin’ — How to Make Tap Dance Come Alive

It is a very short list of tap teachers that teach tap in way that embeds it in the heart and soul and fosters a love for the art form at a profound level. Ballet teachers like that? Much easier to come by. Lyrical? Contemporary? Jazz? They’re a dime a dozen these days – teaching classes that are emotionally charged and full of gripping content that draws those elusive adolescents in and keeps their attention.

Where Can Teachers Continue Their Education?

Highlighting a few of the many continuing education programs and events for dance teachers, as well as links to many more, and alternative ideas for refreshing and inspiring your teaching over the summer.

Top 10 List: Reasons Teachers Should Continue their Education

It seems we find it hard to justify spending money or attention on our own development, though we would encourage it for our students. My top ten list of reasons you would want to seriously consider some continuing ed for yourself this year.

Why and How to Encourage Students to See Concert Dance

Why creating opportunities for students to see live concert dance should be a priority for teachers, studio owners, and parents, and some ideas about how to make concert dance more accessible.

Role Reversal: What are the Pros and Cons of Dance Competition

What are the pros or the benefits of competition in dance? And, what are the cons or negative aspects?

Appraising the Value of Praise

is there such a thing as too much praise? How can one instill confidence without creating a dependence on external approval?

12 Steps to a More Eco-Friendly Dance Studio

We live in a fast-paced world but students are very conscious of environmental issues. You might be surprised at their efforts in this area. However, if you want to go that extra mile, consider offering some incentive with a discount to those who participate in an organized carpool.

Role Reversal: So What Does It All Mean?

Does this change the way you look at your job, the way you run or advertise your business, the way you reach out to or interact with students? Are dance educators and studios staying on top of ever-changing technology? Do they need to be?

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